Russia and Ukraine successfully exchanged 25 prisoners of war (PoWs) each on Wednesday. The exchange, facilitated by mediators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belarus, underscores ongoing efforts to bring captured troops back home.
Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange, stating that 25 Russian soldiers returned to Russia on Wednesday.
"On January 15, 25 Russian service members were brought back from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime in exchange for 25 captive Ukrainian troops,” TASS quoted the statement issued by the ministry. “All released Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance. They have also been able to get in touch with their families.”
The exchange followed a 25-for-25 formula, with the handover taking place at the Belarusian border, a location previously used for such agreements. This marks the first publicly known prisoner swap between the two nations in 2025.
The UAE played a key role in humanitarian mediation, ensuring a smooth exchange. Russian officials highlighted that the returned service members would receive treatment and rehabilitation at the Defense Ministry’s medical facilities.
The freed prisoners include both military personnel and civilians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
“Many of them have serious injuries and illnesses, and each will receive all the necessary medical care,” he wrote on X.
“I am grateful to the team that searches for our people and organizes this important work. We extend our gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in making today’s event possible,” the president added.
For Ukraine, this exchange is part of its broader effort to bring home as many of its soldiers as possible. Both nations have occasionally agreed to similar exchanges, even as their conflict remains intense.
The last exchange occurred on December 30, 2024, when the two countries agreed on a swap under a “150 for 150” formula. However, the numbers cited by each side varied, with Ukraine reporting that 189 of its nationals, including two civilians, returned home, while Russia claimed the numbers matched their stated formula.
The full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022 when Russian troops entered Ukraine, citing the protection of people in self-proclaimed separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine allegedly under attack by the Ukrainian military.
The Russian offensive targeted northern, eastern, and southern regions of Ukraine, attempting to weaken the defense lines of the Ukrainian army. However, Russia’s blitzkrieg tactics faced resilient resistance from Ukraine’s military and civilians, thwarting Moscow's initial objectives. Currently, Russia controls nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory.
The armed conflict dates back to the 2014 crisis in Ukraine’s southern and eastern regions, with Ukraine accusing Russia of annexing Crimea and supporting separatist movements in Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine remains steadfast in its resolve to reclaim all occupied territories, insisting that peace is contingent on Russia withdrawing its forces and restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity.